Behnke to focus on family, not seek re-election as councilor

Following a one-year term, Town of Peace River Coun. Tanin Behnke has chosen not to seek re-election.

Behnke announced the decision on her Facebook page on Sept. 15 citing a focus on her family and her career as deciding factors. However, she didn't rule out a possible return to public service in the future.

“The decision to run or not has been extremely hard for me as I love this community and feel humbled by the work we’ve been able to do accomplish as a team,” she said in the post.

Born in Peace River but raised in Ottawa, Behnke was born into politics as her father, Albert Cooper, was MP of Peace River from the time she was six-months old. It wasn't until she was 14 when she returned to Peace River following her father's retirement. With public service in her blood she knew her calling was to serve her community.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I decided to run in the last election because I’m passionate about my community and I really wanted to do something to help not for profits and the business community thrive.”

Looking back on her four years on council, Behnke was proud of what the group was able to accomplish as a group and not focusing on any individual accomplishments.

“It’s a team sport so what we do we do collectively. Having said that, I think some of our best achievements were the securing of the second bridge,” she explained.

Another high point for her was the construction of the multiplex, something she has been hoping to see in the community for some time. She explained how proud she was of the project, the design and the work put in from the four municipalities who collaborated to bring the project to life.

“We’ve worked as a team and that’s something I know I can be proud of,” said Behnke.

Now taking a step back, Behnke will now have more time to focus on her young daughter and job, while still being involved in the community as much as she can.

When she first ran four years ago, she worked a part-time job, a year-and-a-half later it grew to full-time. Between that and being a parent, she felt she couldn't commit to council as much as it deserved.

“I should step back and let someone else do it. At least until I feel I can commit the dedication this type of role deserves and the people who vote for and support me, deserve,” she said. “I really hope that I’ll get the opportunity to serve my community in this capacity again but right now I need to switch my focus for a bit.”
With four years under her belt, and her seat at the table now open, Behnke offered words of advice for those that will be taking the next seat at the table as a member of the Peace River town council.

“I think it’s important to remember that our community is unique, we’re surrounded by several other municipalities and our success as a region is a direct result of our ability to work together productively. Building relationships and fostering them is essential. I also think it’s important to keep moving forward. I know not everyone agreed with everything our council did but I would seriously doubt people would disagree with all of it,” she said.

“In that vein, I think it’s important to focus on the positives and continue to move things forward. Try not to get caught up on agendas but build on what was established in order to move the town ahead. It’s important as a councilor to do your research, ask questions and truly understand the issues. Vote based on what you feel is right for the greater good of the community. This can be hard sometimes. There are times when I had to put my personal desires aside and vote against what I personally wanted because I knew it wasn’t what was best for the community as a whole.

“Be a servant leader, work to serve others, their interests and their desires. That’s where you’ll find true success in leadership. It’s a life lesson I think we should spend our whole lives trying to perfect.”